Lifelike and Durable Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are the most common and conservative treatment for cavities. Metal was once the go-to material for fillings, but it can have unsightly cosmetic effects as well as other disadvantages. Therefore, at our Boynton Beach, FL, practice, we proudly offer tooth-colored restorations that will blend beautifully with your smile. Dr. Paul V. Archacki is very skilled and meticulous with his restorative care, and will use gentle techniques that involve minimal discomfort.

When Are Fillings Appropriate?

Your dentist will check for signs of decay during each examination and cleaning. A filling is usually the right treatment for a small or medium cavity. Cavities develop when bacteria, sugars, and acids eat away at the tissues of your tooth. The decay can progress past the outer enamel, affecting the deeper layers of tissue. If you have a more extensive area of decay, you will usually require a larger restoration, such as a dental crown.

In some cases, Dr. Archacki will include fillings in a comprehensive smile makeover. For example, if you have an old metal filling that has started to show through, he can replace it with more realistic composite.

What to Expect

Dr. Archacki will numb your tooth and the surrounding area, so you should feel little or no discomfort. He will remove all decayed tissue and reshape the part of your tooth around your cavity, which will help the filling to adhere more securely. He will apply a varnish or gel to your dental tissue, into which he will lightly etch microscopic fissures to provide more surface area, fostering a stronger bond with the filling. Finally, Dr. Archacki will place the composite filling layer by layer, hardening each tier with a curing light. When the entire filling is in place, he will trim the material so that it does not disrupt the force of your bite, and polish the visible parts of your restoration.

We proudly offer tooth-colored restorations that will blend beautifully with your smile. Dr. Archacki is very skilled and meticulous with his restorative care, and will use gentle techniques that involve minimal discomfort.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

A cavity can dramatically weaken your tooth, making it more prone to cracks and other structural damage. A filling fortifies the tooth and prevents additional problems. After your treatment, you can eat normally without any discomfort. The restoration will also seal the cavity so that bacteria cannot reenter, leading to recurring decay or even infection. Another benefit of fillings is that they are very affordable and cost less than larger restorations. If you need to have fillings replaced in the future, Dr. Archacki offers reasonably priced subsequent treatments.

Our tooth-colored composite fillings offer several important advantages over traditional metal (silver amalgam). The most noticeable, of course, is that they are quite realistic and will blend in with your smile. Unlike amalgam, composite will never show through or cast a gray tint to your tooth. Less obviously, but no less importantly, composite can achieve a stronger bond with your dental tissue and therefore more effectively strengthen the tooth. Composite is also a more conservative material that requires less tissue removal. Finally, tooth-colored fillings are stable. Metal will expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, which can significantly weaken your tooth over time.

Schedule a Restorative Consultation

If you have developed a cavity or you want to replace an old metal filling with composite, contact us online today. You can also call (561) 736-1177 to book an appointment with Dr. Archacki.